Temu vs. Shein: My South African Shopping Experience
As an avid online shopper, I’ve spent a good amount of time (and money!) testing out different platforms to see which offers the best experience. Two platforms that have completely changed how South Africans shop online are Temu and Shein. While both offer incredible deals, they serve very different needs—Temu is a tech and gadget haven, while Shein is the undisputed king of fashion.
After multiple orders from both, I’ve learned exactly what works and what doesn’t when shopping on these platforms from South Africa. Here’s my firsthand experience.
Temu for Tech, Shein for Fashion – It’s That Simple
The biggest difference between the two platforms is their product focus.
• Temu is a goldmine for tech lovers. Whether it’s smartwatches, headphones, car gadgets, or even quirky home automation devices, Temu has way more variety than Shein. I recently picked up a pair of budget wireless earbuds and a mini projector, both at unbelievable prices.
• Shein, on the other hand, is a fashion powerhouse. I’ve ordered multiple outfits, and what I love most is that Shein provides detailed and visible material descriptions that are positioned right at the top—something Temu chooses not to prioritise. It’s there but at the bottom where you most likely to miss it unless you really really look. If you’re particular about fabric quality (like I am), knowing whether you buying 100% polyester or cotton from the onset is a big plus.
So, if you’re looking for the latest trendy outfits, Shein is your best bet. If you’re after tech and gadgets, Temu wins hands down.
Shipping: Shein Is Lightning Fast, Temu Takes Its Time
One of the most frustrating things about Temu is the wait time.
• My Shein orders have consistently arrived within 7 working days, sometimes even sooner.
• Temu orders, however, have taken up to 2 weeks or more.
I’ve noticed that Shein’s logistics partners, Buffalo and iMile, clear customs much faster. Temu, on the other hand, uses a mix of couriers, and from my experience, they struggle with handling imports efficiently. This means Temu orders sit at customs longer, which can be annoying if you need something urgently.
If speed matters to you, Shein is the clear winner.
PayPal Support: Shein Gets It, Temu Doesn’t
One thing that surprised me was that Temu doesn’t offer PayPal as a payment option in South Africa, while Shein does.
This is a big deal, especially for people who earn online and rely on PayPal to make purchases. If you prefer PayPal for added security and convenience, Shein is the better choice.
Returns: Temu Offers a Better Deal
Returning items can be a headache, and I’ve learned this the hard way.
• Temu’s return policy is much more buyer-friendly. When I had an issue with a faulty gadget, Temu refunded me in full without any deductions.
• Shein, on the other hand, charges a hefty return fee. If you return an item, they deduct a significant percentage from your refund, which can feel unfair if you’re returning something that didn’t meet expectations.
If you’re worried about potential buyer’s remorse, Temu is far more forgiving.
Free Shipping: Temu Is More Accessible
Another big difference is the free shipping threshold.
• Temu offers free shipping on orders over R200, making it super easy to get free delivery, even on smaller purchases.
• Shein only offers free shipping for orders over R1,100, which means you have to spend a lot more to qualify.
If you’re shopping in small amounts, Temu is more cost-effective.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Use?
After ordering from both platforms multiple times, I’ve come to this conclusion:
• If you’re looking for affordable gadgets and tech accessories, Temu is unbeatable.
• If you want trendy clothing with detailed descriptions and faster delivery, Shein is the better choice.
Here’s a quick comparison based on my experience:
| Feature | Temu | Shein |
| Best for | Tech & Gadgets | Fashion & Accessories |
| Shipping Speed | Slower (up to 2 weeks) | Faster (within 7 working days) |
| Payment Options | No PayPal | PayPal available |
| Return Policy | Full refund | Partial refund (fees deducted) |
| Local Couriers | Mixed (slower customs clearance) | Buffalo & iMile (faster clearance) |
| Free Shipping | From R200 | From R1,100 |
At the end of the day, both platforms offer incredible deals, but your choice should depend on what you’re shopping for. If speed, PayPal, and clothing variety matter most, Shein is the way to go. But if you’re hunting for tech and want a better return policy, Temu is the winner.
Either way, happy shopping!
